Former NHL goalie Ray Emery presumably drowned in Lake Ontario on Sunday morning after he failed to emerge while he was swimming with friends. He was 35.

Hamilton police commenced the search at Hamilton Harbour after 6 a.m. ET after the department received a report that a male swimmer had gone missing. Police confirmed later Sunday that Emery's body was recovered at 2:50 p.m.

"His body was recovered in close proximity to where he was last seen," Hamilton police said in a statement. "Family has been notified. Cause of death to be confirmed pending (an autopsy)."

At 2:50 pm, HPS recovered the body of former @NHL player Ray Emery, 35. Emery was reported missing just after 6:00 am in #HamOnt harbour. His body was recovered in close proximity to where he was last seen. Family has been notified. Cause of death to be confirmed pending a PM.

"I met Ray for the first time when he came to a summer development camp for our agency when he was just a teenager. He knew we had top young players there and he wanted to use the camp to improve his game and try to make the jump to major junior. You could see then that he had the passion and work ethic to be a professional goaltender. He became a client after that camp.

"Ray had many highs and lows in his personal life and his career. He never let things that would derail most of us stop his forward momentum. He had a big heart and a fun loving personality. He was someone we all rooted for to succeed.

"He was a great client and more importantly, a true friend. We will all miss him."

Emery, a native of Hamilton, played 11 seasons in the NHL, the first five with the Ottawa Senators where he helped the franchise to its only Stanley Cup appearance, in 2007. The Anaheim Ducks prevailed in that series.

Emery also played for the Philadelphia Flyers, Ducks and Chicago Blackhawks. He played for the Blackhawks during their 2012-13 Stanley Cup season, but did not see time in the playoffs.

The Chicago Blackhawks organization was deeply saddened to hear of Ray Emery’s passing. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. The Blackhawks will fondly remember Ray as a fierce competitor, a good teammate and a Stanley Cup champion. pic.twitter.com/Q2gm0gG6sZ

“We are all deeply saddened by the loss of Ray Emery. When he joined us in 2011, Ray made an immediate impact on our team with his inspiring comeback from a debilitating injury... pic.twitter.com/oCmC8IOjMx

... one that rightfully earned him a Masterton Trophy nomination. He was a fierce competitor and his infectious attitude will not be forgotten. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.”

Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager Kyle Dubas called Emery’s passing “sad and shocking” in a statement.

"... Ray's smile and intelligence made him a magnetic personality," Dubas said. "You always rooted for him to reach his vast potential even as he went through the many ups and downs of his playing career.

"My deepest condolences to his family and friends for their loss. He will be missed."